Dr. Vicki Rozeman speaking
The Daughters of the American Revolution Regents' Council of Chattanooga (Judge David Campbell, Chickamauga, Nancy Ward, Chief John Ross, and Moccasin Bend Chapters) and The Tennessee Society of the Sons of the American Revolution John Sevier Chapter held the Raising Ceremony Wednesday at the Brainerd Mission Cemetery.
"The Brainerd Mission played an important role in influencing future Cherokee leaders and the history of our region. It was established in 1817 on land that is now Brainerd Village, Osborne Office Park and the Brainerd Walmart. All that remains of the mission is the cemetery cared for by the Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution," officials said.
The US Naval Sea Cadets from Signal Mountain and the Hurricane Division conducted the Flag Raising. The speaker for the event was Dr. Vicki Rozema who spoke on “The Cherokee Spelling Book.” Dr. Rozema has written several books and articles on Cherokee and southern Appalachian history. A musical tribute and blessings of the grounds was brought by Alva Crowe, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation.
Among those attending were Susan R. Thomas, current TSDAR state regent, Terry Siler, president of the John Sevier SAR Chapter, Carol Berz, Chattanooga councilwoman from District 6 and her daughter Jenny, Fire Chief Chris Adams, and Daisy Pratt with Ripple Productions who is producing the historical film called “The Brainerd Mission Story, Act II “The Mission Years.”